Update from the April Duke visit

We had a good visit to Duke on April 22nd. John's blood work, vitals, appetite, and strength remain very good. The MRI, which is the defining diagnostic, showed no sign of tumor recurrence. There was one white spot that could have indicated progression of a new tumor. However post-radiation MRIs often show "pseudo-progression" from the swelling left by the treatment and the Duke team were not concerned. Additionally, when we reviewed the MRI with John's radiation oncologist, Dr. Peddada, later in the week in San Jose, he dismissed any concerns as the location of the spot was exactly where he had applied the highest dose of radiation. We go back to Duke in mid June and again in August. To celebrate the good results we spent that evening at the Durham Bulls ballgame with our friend Leonard. While we looked, we never could find Annie Savoy...

Outside the Duke Brain Cancer Center

Earlier in the month John was able to attend the Giants (that would be the first place, World Champion Giants) Opening Day and the Warriors first round playoff action. Here are a couple of pictures from those events as well as one from the Bulls game.



John also paid a visit to his friends at CloudOn (http://www.cloudon.com), where he interned last summer. They are great friends and it was a wonderful experience working there. If you are looking for Office support on your Android or Apple mobile products pay them a visit. This was an unpaid, celebrity endorsement :)

We are in Spokane this weekend for John's graduation from Gonzaga. It is an exciting time for the students and their parents. We are fortunate that so many of our family traveled here to help celebrate. Today, Saturday, we are attending the Senior Toast and the Baccalaureate Mass. Tomorrow, Mother's Day, the Class of 2013 processes into history.  We'll post photos next week from the weekend.

This coming Wednesday John and two of roommates head to Maui for eight days of surf and sun.  I am sure there will be plenty of tales, a few of which may even be told to his parents :-)

Upon his  return he starts summer school to complete his degree requirements.

John is enjoying his time home, showing remarkable patience with his situation. We are very fortunate he has been so positive.He supports us as much as we support him.

Thanks again to all of our friends and family who have been praying and thinking of us. Your kindness has value beyond definition.